Where are the Next Best Ideas in the information field coming from? If the past is any indication, this year's Capstone event may provide some answers. Capstone projects from the iSchool's Bachelor of Science in Informatics, Master of Science in Information Management and Master of Library & Information Science programs are concrete examples of what it means to design and build novel applications of technology and innovative information tools and services. Projects range from mobile device applications to web-based library collection tools to browser security plug-ins.
Date: Thursday, June 2, 2011
Location: UW Tower, Mezzanine Level
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
More information about the Capstone Event, including parking and check-in, can be found here.
Some projects that will be on display this year include:
The Next Fifty
Valentina Ferrari, Nika Hejazinia, Yi-Chin Kat Lai, Victoria Wolffe (Informatics)
The Next Fifty is a project sponsored by the Seattle Center Foundation that aims to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair and "envision the next 50 years of innovation" for Seattle Center. We designed and implemented an iPhone application to provide visitors to Seattle Center with information about the past, present, and future of designated sites throughout the fair campus. The application uses GPS to offer suggestions for nearby buildings, as well as search and browse functionalities. Once a site is selected, users can read about its different temporal incarnations and view photos related to the site. Members of our client organization described the design as "simple" and "intuitive" and called the application "a great addition to the 50th anniversary."
Achieving Organizational Performance Excellence using Scorebook Navigator™
Melissa A. Donahue (Mid-Career MSIM), Mervin Johnsingh (Full-Time MSIM), Megha Thakkar (Full-Time MSIM)
The software tool Scorebook Navigator™ helps organizations perform comprehensive gap analysis to improve business performance. It's also used by examiners who review applications for the quality excellence-based Baldrige Award. Our project was to evaluate the software with the aim of making it 1) easier to navigate and more user-centered; 2) consistent with federal accessibility standards; 3) more broadly marketable to a wider range of industries.
To meet these goals, we evaluated the tool's current state and designed a prototype incorporating feedback received through usability tests and user interviews. We reviewed Section 508 standards to ensure our prototype meets accessibility needs. To enhance the tool's marketability, we created tier-based strategies and industry-specific recommendations. Anticipated outcomes include higher user satisfaction and increased revenue for the software's creator.
Collections Management and Access from the Ground Up
Cristina D Linclau (MLIS, Museology)
Art institutions are increasingly adopting digital initiatives to extend public access to their collections. While proprietary Collection Management Systems (CMS) allow for customized control and display of artworks in multiple formats, they are often more structurally robust than necessary for a small collection and lie outside budgetary capabilities.
This project uses the University of Washington School of Art Collection of 500+ artworks as a model to address these challenges and the unforeseen details involved in "going public." The result is a workflow that promotes simple, forward-compatible technologies available to anyone conversant in basic XML. This technique can be transposed to other collection environments for the sustainable creation of an online presence with minimal technological requirements and a very limited budget.
The 2011 Capstone event begins promptly at 6:00 pm with "Information Overload," a lively round-robin of project introductions. Following is an evening of poster presentations, networking and hors d'oeuvres. This year's event also includes Virtual Presentations from students in the Online MLIS program.
All are welcome to attend - from industry professionals to UW and iSchool alumni, students, faculty and prospective students. Guests are requested to RSVP for the Capstone Event at bit.ly/capstone11.
Capstone project collaborators include organizations from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
To see videos from previous Capstone events, please visit the iSchool's YouTube channel:
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thanks to our Capstone Event Presenting Sponsor: Intelius